Around 2:30 a.m., Pasco authorities were responding to reports of men peering into cars in an attempt to burglarize them, said sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll.

Two men who fit the description of the prowlers were seen after they ran into the Groves subdivision early Monday: Anthony R. Casey, 21, whose last known address is 7706 St. Johns Road in Land O'Lakes, and Michael William Ross, 21, whose last known address is 37470 Acorn Loop in Dade City.

Once inside, Casey and Ross had no way to leave, Doll said.

"We believe a car came to get them, after (the two men) called them," Doll said. "The people in the car didn't know what was going on."

Sgt. Bill McVey saw the car, made a traffic stop and ran the tag, which was expired.

McVey then recognized one of the men inside the vehicle as Casey, who has been arrested numerous times since 2001 on charges ranging from burglary to aggravated assault, records show. Casey also is wanted on suspicion of two probation violations.

"He tried to arrest Casey, but Casey clobbered McVey on the side of the head," Doll said.

Casey and Ross fled on foot, running into a wooded area near the Groves, Doll said, and another deputy tried to stop the men but was unable to.

McVey is home recuperating, Doll said.

Casey now also is wanted on suspicion of battery on a law enforcement officer. Ross, who has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting, battery and vehicle theft, records show, is now wanted on suspicion of prowling.

It is unknown whether the men are armed. The Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information on their location to call toll-free, 1-800-854-2862.

Camille C. Spencer can be reached at cspencer@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4609.